Dr. Roy “Rick” E. Day, 75, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Friday, December 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. Beloved and known to friends as Rick, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering faith.
Rick was born in Sioux City, Iowa March 17, 1950, and grew up on his family’s farm in Pender, Nebr. The family then moved to St. Albans, where he graduated high school. He attended Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., where he met and married his wife, Linda.
Rick was a man of deep convictions and heartfelt enthusiasm. His lifelong commitment to family was evident as he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda S. Swanson Day. Together they raised a loving family, which includes their daughter, Rachel Turak; and sons, Jason (Julie) and Matthew (Angel) Day. Rick was also a proud Papa to seven grandchildren: Belen Turak, Gabe Turak, Nathan Day, Michael Day, Stephen Day, Taryn Day, and Tyce Day. His sisters, Karen Moscufo (Gino) of Idamay, and Becky DePolo (the Rev. Frank) of North Carolina, will cherish him fondly along with numerous extended family members and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Day Sr., and mother, Lucille Boehm Day.
After graduating from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1975, he joined the Public Health Service and practiced dentistry in Mt. Storm for two years. He then formed a private general dental practice in Oakland, Md. before specializing in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nebraska for three years. Rick taught pediatric dentistry and orthodontists at ORU University in Tulsa, Okla. for one year before returning to his home state of West Virginia to open his own pediatric dental practice. He always wanted to come home to the mountains of West Virginia.
Dr. Day dedicated his professional life to the well-being of children, serving as a pediatric dentist in Morgantown for over 40 years. Through his expert teaching and leadership, Rick inspired many of his dental assistants to further their education and become professionals in the dental field. He saw them thrive in their practice of dentistry in West Virginia and other states.
In addition to his mentorship, Dr. Day and his wife travelled to World Vision orphanages in Juarez, Mexico and Southern Chile, where they did missionary dental outreach. He enjoyed working with young patients to start them on a long life of good dental health. He earned not only the trust of many families, but also the respect of his peers and his staff at Pediatric and Teenage Dentistry.
Outside the office, Rick was passionate about hunting and training prestigious game dogs. As the founder of Bergsteiger Kennels (German for Mountaineer), he bred and trained German Drahthahrs and Pointers, combining his love for the outdoors with a deep admiration for these loyal hunting companions.
Dr. Rick Day found comfort and strength in his faith, worshiping with his brothers and sisters in Christ at Trinity Assembly of God in Fairmont, where he was dedicated in service and giving back to God’s kingdom, which was a great blessing in his life. He lived a life that was loving, generous, and faith-filled. Those who knew him were touched by his compassionate heart and his legacy will continue to influence countless lives. He radiated kindness and warmth, enriching his family and community and leaving the world a better place. He will be dearly missed, but his thoughtful ways and devotion to others will remain his enduring gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The family would like to thank Mon General Hospital, WV Caring Hospice, and Ruby Cancer Center for their compassion, excellent medical help, and unwavering support.
Although flowers will be accepted and appreciated, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made, in Dr. Day’s memory, to the following organizations:
- The West Virginia University Department of Pediatric Dentistry. When donating please specify the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (2V408) at:
https://give.wvu.edu/give/430775/# - Holy Pursuits Dream Foundation, a nonprofit that provides once-in-a- lifetime dream hunting and fishing trips to children who have a life threatening illness or condition. Donations can be made to:
Holy Pursuits Dream Foundation, 878 Hidden View Way, Morgantown, WV 26508, or click the donation button at: https://holypursuitsdreamfoundation.org/donate
Family and friends are invited to gather in McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Westover, Sunday, December 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. Visitation will continue in the funeral home Monday, December 29, from 10 until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Wayde Wilson officiating. Following the service, Dr. Day will be laid to rest at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com
